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Anemia symptoms are caused by inadequate oxygen reaching important organs, such as your muscles, heart, and brain. As a consequence, your heart and lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to these organs.

Patients with nutritional anemia, especially mild anemia, may have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they might include:

In addition, people with iron-deficiency anemia may have cravings for ice or clay. People with
anemia due to vitamin B
12
deficiency may experience confusion, clumsiness, or even
dementia
.
People with either B
12
or folic acid deficiency may have a very smooth and sore tongue or other sores in the mouth. Those whose deficiency is due to bowel disorders may have diarrhea, unusually smelly stools, and/or weight loss.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.